Rwanda’s Church Regulations Continue to Impact Worship Two Years Later

Two years after the implementation of Law 72/2018, Rwanda’s regulatory framework for faith-based organizations continues to significantly alter the landscape of Christian worship. The law, which mandates specific theological qualifications for leaders and strict building safety standards, led to a major enforcement campaign in July 2024. During this period, government officials inspected over 13,000 sites, resulting in widespread closures. While exact figures remain debated, reports from the Worldwide Evangelical Seminary’s Connexion suggest that one mid-August 2024 account estimated more than 4,000 closures, including approximately 700 in the capital, Kigali.

The regulations have disproportionately affected smaller, independent, and Pentecostal congregations that often operate in rented spaces or homes. In contrast, larger, centralized churches with established infrastructure have generally been better equipped to comply. Critics, including Pastor Kabagambe Nziza, have argued that the standards—such as requirements for parking and soundproofing—do not always account for the realities of rural village churches. Meanwhile, Anglican Bishop Assiel Musabyimana has noted that the inability of many congregations to gather for Sunday services has hindered their capacity to sustain local ministries.